DE4117127A1 - Light-sensitive recording element with mask formed directly on top coat - comprising tear-resistant polymer, used as resist or esp. in computer to plate process - Google Patents

Abstract

Recording element, which is sensitive to UV and/or visible actinic light, has (A) a dimensionally stable base, (B) a negative- or positive-working light-sensitive recording layer (B1) or (B2), (C) an optically transparent top coat contg. polymer(s) forming a tear-resistant film and (D) a mask formed directly on the light-sensitive (sic) top coat (C). The novelty is that (D) is a relief pattern of coated areas (D1) and uncoated areas (D2), in which (D1) are opaque to the actinic light used. Pref. (D1) consists of liq. droplets or solid particles transferred to the surface of (C), pref. of electrophotographic toner, ink applied by ink-jet printing or pigment or pigment/binder applied by thermal transfer printing. (B) is a negative-working photocurable or photopolymerisable layer (B1) or a positive-working photodegradable layer (B2). (C) consists of (co)polyamide, polyurethane, poly(meth)acrylate, cyclo-rubber with a high deg. of cyclisation, ethylene-propylene copolymer (co)PVC, EVA, partly or almost completely hydrolysed poly(vinyl alcohol alkanecarboxylate ester), partly or almost complete hydrolysed vinyl alcohol alkanecarboxylate ester/alkylene oxide graft copolymer, gelatin, cellulose ether or ester, polyvinylpyrrolidone, vinyl-aromatic/alkenedicarboxylic anhydride copolymer, poly(meth)acrylic acid (meth)acrylic acid/(meth)acrylate copolymer and/or polyalkylene oxide. The element is packed in opaque, undeformable package for sale. USE/ADVANTAGE - The element is useful in the prodn. of printing plates and photoresists, esp. seamless gravure, offset, letterpress and flexographic printing cylinders for continuous printing. The element can be used in the computer to plate technique and the process is rapid and reli

Description

The present invention relates to a new photosensitive Recording element and new processes for its production and Further processing to printing plates and photoresists.

Another object of the present invention is a new device, which the implementation of the new manufacturing and further processing process serves.

Another object of the present invention is the novel use of toners, such as those used in electrophotography, from Inks such as those used in inkjet printers and from Pigmen ten and / or pigment / binder mixtures, such as those in thermal transfer printing and more recently also find use in inkjet printers, as well the use of related manufacturing processes of the new photosensitive recording elements.

Photosensitive recording elements (A, B, C), which the manufacture of printing plates and photoresists and which ones

• A) a dimensionally stable support,
• B) a negative working or positive working photosensitive Recording layer (B1) or (B2) and
• C) an optically transparent cover layer, which has at least one tear-resistant Contains film-forming polymer,

include, have long been known (see, for example, EP-A 03 16 618). These photosensitive recording elements (A, B, C) are usually exposed through an image mask (D) placed on them imagewise with active light and then developed with a suitable developer solvent. The cover layer (C) is washed away together with the unexposed areas (negative working recording layer B 1 ) or the exposed areas (positive working recording layer B 2 ).

Photosensitive recording elements with a dimensionally stable Support (A) and a photosensitive recording layer (B), the Surface of a relief-like pattern of uncoated and be  layered areas is known from DE-A-26 38 710. The coated areas essentially consist of one polymers not sensitive to light, imagewise exposed photosensitive recording elements (A, B) such as which is washed away, and from a light-absorbing agent which absorbed in the same wavelength range as the light-sensitive Auf drawing layer (B). However, this is relief-like Pattern is not an image mask which corresponds to the imagewise exposure of the photosensitive recording layer (B) of the photosensitive layer drawing element could serve. The relief-like pattern is only capable the contacting of the photosensitive recording element with a to improve conventional image mask.

A photosensitive recording element (A, B, D ') with a dimen sion-stable support (A), a light-sensitive recording layer (B) and one of the surface of the photosensitive recording Layer (B) image mask lying directly on top (D) is from DE-A-21 49 055 known. This photosensitive recording element (A, B, D ') is manufactured by placing on the surface of its photosensitive Recording layer (B) is a layer made of a finely divided crystal suspension of a photosensitive diacetylene compound in a poly other binders. It is ensured that the light sensitive recording layer (B) of such a composition is that they have a wavelength λ <320 nm in comparison to actinic light is essentially insensitive. It is now a conventional picture or Photo mask or a negative template on the layer, which the diacety contains lenverbindung, after which this layer with actinic Illuminated light of a wavelength λ of <320 nm. This will be in this Layer exposed areas produced in which polymeric acetylenes were present gene, which actinic light with a wavelength λ of 320 to 450 nm Absorb 90% and more, d. that is, they are exposed to actinic light this wavelength are essentially opaque. In contrast remain the unexposed areas of the layer in which the Diacetylene compound is present, a wavelength λ for actinic light permeable between 320 and 450 nm. Accordingly, this represents exposed Layer an image mask (D ′), through which the one below lying light-sensitive recording layer (B) with actinic light a wavelength λ between 320 and 450 nm are exposed imagewise can. Thereafter, both the image mask (D ') and the unexposed Areas of the imagewise exposed recording layer (B) with a Ent winder solvents are washed away. A disadvantage of this method is that of the surface of the photosensitive recording layer (B) directly on top of the image mask (D ′) with the help of a conventional photomask or negative template must be produced.  

In addition, very short-wave ultraviolet actinic light must be used can be used, which for safety reasons alone is a significant disadvantage.

Another light-sensitive recording element which has a dim sion-stable support (A), a light-sensitive recording layer (B) and a surface of the photosensitive recording layer (B) image mask (D) directly on top of it is from the article "®Nyloprint BASF, Nyloprint High Pressure - the printing process for the 80s and 90s Years - the Nyloprint high pressure plate can connect to modern data transmission systems are connected? - Are there possibilities for filmless production? position of photopolymer high pressure plates? ", in the special edition for IFRA-Expo 80, special edition, pages 5 and 6 of the Neue Züricher Zeitung of the year 201 known. The image mask (D) of this known light sensitive recording element can be made from a photopolymer adjustable mask layer by exposure with a computer-controlled UV laser light source and by washing out with a developer solvent are generated, however, the UV laser light to be used here swell expensive and pose security problems. Also are for the production of printing plates and photoresists from this light sensitive labeling elements two washout steps necessary what is another major disadvantage.

All these recording elements have in common that they have no deck have layer (C) so that the atmospheric oxygen unimpeded access to Recording layer (B) has what u. U. can be disadvantageous.

The use of computerized inkjet printers for manufacturing of proofs, which correspond in size and color to the later print e.g. B. from the article by Oliver Bruns, "Proofs from digital data: the ink jet printer Iris 3024 on the response system from Scitex ", in German printer, No. 36 / November 9, 1989, pages w10 to w11. It will not suggested herein for manufacturing ink jet printers directly a photosensitive recording element with a dimensionally stable Support (A), a light-sensitive recording layer (B), a deck layer (C) and one of the surface of the photosensitive recording layer (B) directly on the image mask (D).

From US-A-37 45 586 a method is known which is known as May refer to "distillation pressure". Here, a thin film is ver turns, which is coated on one side with inks. This slide is imaged from its uncoated side with a laser light source moderately exposed and heated so high that it causes the ink in the  exposed areas from the slide at a certain distance other surface located for this is transferred. With this other The surface can be a printing plate and the transferred one Inks can be lithographic inks, so that through the inks resulting element can be used directly in offset printing can. This method can also be used for making masks for Microchips are applied. This makes a photoresist material selective transferred to the substrate of the mask. The mask can then go through conventional photoetching techniques are trained. More details go from US-A-37 45 586. In particular, the manufacture of photosensitive recording elements (A, B, C, D) for production not addressed by pressure plates.

A process somewhat similar to that of US-A-37 45 586 is known from DE-A-35 07 418. This procedure will or will one or more vaporizable and / or meltable substances from one Film with the help of a computer-controlled thermal head on a plate transfer. If you use an aluminum plate, as usual is used for the production of offset printing plates you can print directly without interposing photomechanical steps finished offset printing plate. The short lifespan is a disadvantage here this printing plate under printing conditions.

Furthermore, the use of toners as used in electrophotography Graphics are commonly used for the production of image masks films known from DE-A-30 46 877. To make these image masks becomes a polyester film with a thin, slightly sticky, thermal or photochemically crosslinkable layer. In addition, in itself known manner on the surface of an electrophotographic record voltage element (E) by charging with a high-voltage discharge corona, imagewise exposure with actinic light and concrete a toner image generated from toner particles. Now bring the sticky surface of the Foil in direct, intimate contact with the toner image, the toner Transfer particles to the film. Then it is on the slide Liche thermally or photochemically crosslinkable layer crosslinked, and one receives a non-stick image mask film, which in the usual and known Way as a photo mask or negative template for the production of prints plates and photoresists from photosensitive recording elements (A, B) can be used. DE-A-30 46 877 does not suggest the toner image on the electrophotographic recording element element (E) directly onto a light-sensitive recording element (A, B, C) transferred to.  

GB-A 20 82 976 describes a method for producing an offset printing plate, in which inks are imaged on photosensitive or does not apply photosensitive resin layers. The light sensitive Liche resin layers can be positive or negative working. However, the inks applied in an imagewise manner do not represent image masks (D) the exposure with actinic light, but they protect it areas before being washed away in the development step will. If there are negative working photosensitive resin layers the areas protected by the inks can be used after the Wash out the unprotected areas with actinic light the, d. H. the inks must be transparent to actinic light. Will in contrast, positive working resin layers are used before Development step fully exposed to actinic light and there by solubilized. The imagewise applied ink then protects the areas of the fully exposed resin layer in front of it, to be washed away in the development step. In all cases remain the inks on the image areas.

So far, the transmission of image information to photosensitivity Liche recording elements (A, B, C), which the production of printing plates or serve from photoresists, almost exclusively through the so-called called contact exposure via a positive or negative film template, wel with the methods commonly used in reproduction technology becomes. However, the preparation of such an exposure template or Image mask (D) and its proper storage for repeat orders in the reprographic operation time and cost intensive. To such an exposure tion template or image mask (D) with the image information the photosensitive recording element (A, B, C) is to be transferred for intimate contact between the image mask (D) and the light sensor Lichen recording element (A, B, C) to provide. So far this has been done through a so-called vacuum table and a cover film. On this The vacuum mask, the image mask D) and the cover film are firmly attached to the upper surface of the photosensitive recording element (A, B, C) sucked. This cover film must be roughened so that the between it and air from the image mask (D) can be extracted at all. Because of this roughening creates the cover film, however, unwanted scattered light, which significantly extends the exposure time. That being said, are the formats have certain limits that are not exceeded can, because the vacuum tables cannot be designed to be of any size.

For the production of particularly large-area printing plates or photoresists you need correspondingly large positive or negative film templates or Image masks (D). Usually these larger film formats are made out  Single pictures glued together. Meanwhile, such glued picture masks (D) not for the production of gravure plates from light sensitive recording elements (A, B, C) are used because the Cut edges of the individual images are visible in the print image of the gravure plates be and print. Therefore, very large, interface-free film formats are used, which is in reprographic Operation incurs significantly higher costs than that of cutting and Adhesive technology arise.

The obligation to use the image mask (D) in intimate contact with the surface of the photosensitive record Having to bring elements (A, B, C) leads to further problems: when the surface of the photosensitive recording element (A, B, C) is also only slightly sticky and / or if the image mask (D) is a special one has smooth surface, can be the one between the picture mask D) and the surface of the photosensitive recording element Extract air (A, B, C) from the air very poorly, which the con cycle time unduly extended, on the other hand there is a risk that after the contact of the image mask (D) with the light-sensitive recording element (A, B, C), the image mask (D) no longer from its surface can be solved. So you have to use rough surfaces, but what causes even more stray light than already exists is.

The imagewise exposure under vacuum can also not with cylindrical gene light-sensitive recording elements (A, B, C), which the Her position of continuously coated printing cylinders are used. For the production of such endlessly coated printing cylinders from cylinders shaped photosensitive recording elements (A, B, C) must Image masks (D) with a deflected transparent film, which is approximately one tenth of the circumference of the cylinder spanned onto the light-sensitive recording tion element (A, B, C) pressed and transported. It can Air between the image mask (D) and the surface of the photosensitive Recording element (A, B, C) are included, which is a flawless free transmission of the image information prevented. Here too must be made sure that the surface of the cylindrical photosensitive Recording element (A, B, C) is tack-free.

Although there are already different ways of using image information without detour a positive or negative film template, d. H. via an image mask (D), on recording elements which are used in the production of printing plates and Photoresists are used to transfer. So z. B. in the manufacture from gravure plates directly from the computer by means of engraving transfer metallic printing cylinders. As for photosensitive recording  elements (A B C) relates to the previously known methods Image information transfer from the computer to the plate ("Computer to Plate "technique) mostly to unsatisfactory results.

The object of the present invention is to find new methods with whose help computer-controlled image information on photosensitive Recording elements (A, B, C), which are used for the production of low, off set, high and flexographic plates as well as photoresists are used can be worn without the disadvantages of the prior art nik must be purchased. In addition, this should be computer-controlled Image information transmission takes place in such a way that here on the surface of the relevant light-sensitive record tion elements (A, B, C) results in an image mask (D) through which the photosensitive recording elements (A, B, C) without previous Ent glue their surface and without the formation of stray light directly with actinic light can be exposed. It is also the job of present invention new photosensitive recording elements (A, B, C, D) which have an image mask (D) in their surface have so that they are only in reprographic mode before development still have to be exposed to actinic light over the entire surface. About that furthermore, it is the object of the present invention to develop new methods for the production of gravure, offset, high and flexographic printing plates as well as To find photoresists that have the disadvantages of the prior art no longer have. Last but not least, it is the job of the front lying invention to find a new device, with the help of the new Procedures can be carried out particularly quickly and reliably.

Surprisingly, these tasks were essentially solved be that with the help of toners like those in electrophotography are used by inks as used for ink jet printing be, or of pigments and / or pigment / binder mixtures, such as they are used for thermal transfer printing, an image mask (D) the surface of the cover layer (C) of a light-sensitive recording elements (A, B, C). In terms of the state of the art, it was surprising that with the help of these toners, inks or pigments and / or Pigment / binder mixtures new photosensitive recording elements elements (A, B, C, D) can be produced, which excellent deep, Deliver offset, high and flexographic printing plates as well as photoresists.

Accordingly, the subject matter of the present invention is an towards ultraviolet and / or visible actinic light containing sensitive recording element

• A) a dimensionally stable support,
• B) a negative working or positive working photosensitive Recording layer (B1) or (B2) and
• C) an optically transparent cover layer, which has at least one tear-resistant Contains film-forming polymer, and
• D) an image mask lying directly on the surface of the cover layer (C), the light-sensitive recording element (A, B, C, D) being characterized in that the image mask (D) has a relief-like pattern of coated areas (D1) and uncoated areas ( D2), the coated areas (D 1 ) being essentially impermeable to the actinic light to be used in each case.

A preferred embodiment of the photosensitive recording element elements (A, B, C, D) is characterized in that the coated Be rich (D1) of the relief-like pattern or image mask (D) made of liquid droplets or solid particles that are on the surface the top layer (C) have been transferred.

Further objects of the present invention are methods for the manufacture position of the new, opposite ultraviolet and / or visible actini chemical light sensitive recording element (A, B, C, D) and new Process for its further processing to low, offset, high and flexo printing plates and photoresists.

Yet another object of the present invention is a new one Device for carrying out the aforementioned new manufacturing and Finishing processes.

For the sake of brevity, the following is the new one versus ultraviolet and / or visible actinic light sensitive recording elements ment (A, B, C, D) for brevity as "inventive recording element (A, B, C, D) ". Accordingly, the new ver drive to the manufacture and further processing of the invention Recording element (A, B, C, D) as the "manufacturing ver drive "and" further processing method according to the invention ".

Furthermore, the new device for performing the invention Manufacturing and processing methods as "inventive device" designated.  

The essential part of the invention of the invention Drawing element (A, B, C, D) is that of the surface of its deck layer (C) image mask directly on top (D). This image mask (D) is a relief-like pattern of coated areas (D1) and uncoated Areas (D2). Here, the coated areas (D1) are opposite actinic light to be used in each case essentially impermeable. This means that they have ultraviolet and / or visible light in one absorb to the extent that it is in the photosensitive record tion layer (B1) and (B2) of the recording element according to the invention (A, B, C, D) can no longer trigger photochemical reactions.

According to the invention, the coated areas (D1) consist of the relief gene pattern or the image mask (D) advantageously from liquid droplets or solid particles falling on the surface of the deck layer (C) have been transferred.

Here the liquid droplets or solid particles have one Composition that they meet the above condition, against the actinic light to be used in each case essentially impermeable be, meet.

Accordingly, the most varied of solid particles or liquids droplets for the build-up of the coated areas (D1) of the image mask (D) can be used as long as they have the property mentioned above.

According to the invention, however, it is advantageous to have liquid toner droplets or To use toner particles, as is more common in electrophotography be applied wisely. As is known, the toners are polymer coated pigment particles with an average particle size knife in the range of approx. 0.05 to 100 µm, with particularly fine particles According to the invention, toner particles which can be dissolved colloidally are particularly preferably used. Toners of this type, for example, go from EP-A-02 25 547, DE-A-38 21 199 or US-A-46 61 431.

For special purposes, these toners can also be very hard, contain very fine fillers. Under "very hard" there is one To understand hardness according to the modified Mohs hardness scale of <7. Under an average particle size of the filler particles of 0.5 to 40 µm understood.

Examples of particularly suitable filler particles of the type mentioned are fumed silica as well as quartz, zirconia, titanium nitride, tungsten carbide, tantalum carbide, zirconium carbide, aluminum oxide, titanium nitride, Zirconium boride, silicon carbide, aluminum boride, boron carbide and diamond  dust. Of these, pyrogenic silica as well as quartz, diamond, Silicon carbide and tungsten carbide dust are particularly suitable.

According to the invention, it is also advantageous to use the liquid droplets or to generate the solid particles from inks, such as those in the ink jet pressure can be used. These inks can be liquid inks act, which consist of components that are liquid at room temperature are. The inks can also contain solid particles in a liquid contain dissolved or dispersed or they can be melted droplets be based on plastic.

Both liquid-based inks and melted inks are common and known and commercially available and go for example example from the article "INKJET, hot ink for fast printers", in Der Polygraph, Issue 14-89, pages 1151 and 1152. More inks compositions are from DE-A-38 26 734, DE-A-38 25 007, the DE-A-37 15 643, DE-A-37 15 630, DE-A-33 20 373, DE-A-31 05 525 or DE-A-31 06 208 known.

According to the invention, it is also advantageous as a liquid droplet or as solid particles melted or evaporated, liquid or use solidified pigments or pigment / binder mixtures, as they are used in thermal transfer printing. Examples of suitable ones Pigments or pigment / binder mixtures are, for example, from the DE-A-35 07 418 known.

Further examples of suitable pigment / binder mixtures or melted zener plastic-based inks, which are suitable for both Thermotrans can be used as well as for inkjet printing Mixtures of common and known, commercially available black pig elements such as carbon black or Negropac® and binders such as polyvinyl alcohol, Styrene / maleic acid half-ester copolymers or methyl methacrylate / meth acrylic acid copolymers.

According to the invention, liquid droplets or solid particles on the Base of toners and inks used with particular preference.

According to the invention, the liquid droplets or the solid particles lie the surface of the top layer (C) of the recording element according to the invention directly (A, B, C, D). In particular, the fixed Particles with its surface and / or glued to itself, ver melted and / or chemically linked. The chemical Linking by reacting the solid particles with suitable reagents chemically, by heating thermochemically and / or by exposure to  actinic light have been photochemically accomplished. Furthermore can use the solid particles to increase their impermeability to Substances strongly absorbing over actinic light such as soot, manganese contain dioxide, dyes or metal particles, with the choice of these light-absorbing substances especially according to the wavelength of the actinic light and therefore very easily hit by the expert can be.

The further essential component of the recording according to the invention elements (A, B, C, D) is its photosensitive recording layer (B). This can either be negative (B1) or positive be working (B2).

As is known occurs with a negative working photosensitive Recording layer (B1) when exposed to actinic light Solubility differentiation between the exposed and unexposed Areas in such a way that the unexposed areas with a suitable, in its solvent power on the material composition of the relevant light-sensitive recording layer (B1) Developer solvents can be washed out, whereas the belich areas are insoluble here.

In contrast, occurs with a positive working photosensitive Drawing layer (B2) in the imagewise exposure with actinic Light a differentiation in solubility between the exposed and unexposed exposed areas in such a way that the exposed areas with a suitable, in its solvency on the material together setting of the relevant light-sensitive recording layer (B2) matched developer solvent can be washed out, whereas the unexposed areas are insoluble therein.

It can be the case of the negative working photosensitive Drawing layers (B1) around the usual and known photopolymerisier baren or photocrosslinkable layers.

As is known, the photopolymerizable photosensitive contain Recording layers (B1) at least one binder, at least one with compatible with this binder, photopolymerizable olefinically saturated monomer and at least one photopolymerization initiator.

Examples of suitable polymeric binders for use in these be knew negative working photopolymerizable photosensitive Recording layers (B1) are copolymers of ethylene (Meth) acrylic acid and vinyl esters, vinyl ethers, (meth) acrylic acid esters  and / or (meth) acrylic acid amides; maleated alkadiene polymers; by Maleination and partial esterification or partial amidation polymer analog modifi graced alkadiene polymers; Copolymers of alkadienes with α, β-ols finically unsaturated carboxylic acids; alkadiene acrylic containing carboxyl groups nitrile copolymers; partially or almost completely hydrolyzed Poly (vinyl alcohol alkane carboxylic acid ester); partially or almost completely hydrolyzed vinyl alcohol alkane carboxylic acid ester-alkylene oxide graft mixture polymers; Polyalkadienes; Alkadiene-acrylonitrile copolymers; Vinyl aromat-alkadiene copolymers; Vinylaromatic-alkadiene block copolymers sate; Butyl rubbers; Acrylate rubbers; Polychloroprene; Fluorine chewing schuke; Silicone rubbers; Polysulfide rubbers; Ethylene propylene alka diene copolymers; chlorosulfonated polyethylenes and linear homo- and Copolyamides.

Examples of suitable photopoly compatible with the binders Merizable, olefinically unsaturated monomers are esters of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid; Styrene and its derivatives; Fumaric acid ester and maleic acid; Vinyl ester; Vinyl ether; Acrylic and methacrylamides as well as allyl compounds. Here, those monomers are particularly good suitable, which has a boiling point of over 100 ° C at atmospheric pressure and a molecular weight of up to 3000, in particular of up to 2000 point.

Examples of suitable photopolymerization initiators for use in negative working, photopolymerizable light sensitive record Application layers (B1) are benzoin or benzoin derivatives; symmetrical or asymmetrically substituted benzil acetals; Acylarylphosphine oxides and -phosphinic acid ester; substituted and unsubstituted quinones and Compounds containing trihalomethyl groups.

As is known, contain the negatively working photocrosslinkable photosensitive recording layers (B1) either

• - a hydrophilic binder and a photosensitive metal salt;
• - A hydrophilic binder and a tetrazonium salt of a diamino compound such as p-aminodiphenylamine, benzidine, diamidine or toluidine;
• - A diazo resin, which essentially consists of formaldehyde and a Diphenylamine diazonium salt;
• - a hydrophilic or alcohol-soluble binder and an azido connection;  
• - a rubber or other soluble in organic solvents Binders and an azido compound;
• - A compound which dimeri when irradiated with actinic light such as polyvinyl cinnamate; or
• - A hydrophilic binder and a diazo resin, which one essentially from formaldehyde and a diphenylamine diazonium salt has put.

In contrast, the positive working photosensitive contain Drawing layers (B2) are known to be either

• - an alkali-soluble binder and a quinonediazido compound such as Naphthoquinone-1,2-diazidosulfonate ester;
• - a compound which releases acid on exposure, a monomeric or polymeric compound containing at least one acid cleavable C-O-C group, such as an o-carboxylic acid ester group or has a carboxamide acetal group, and optionally a Binder; or
• - A compound with at least two aromatic and / or hetero aromatic o-nitrocarbinol ester groups, one cross-linking us kende connection with at least two reactive groups, which in the Heating can react with carboxyl groups, and this one Reaction accelerating catalyst, such as iodonium, Sulfoxonium or pyrrylium salts.

Deciding which photosensitive recording layer (B1) or (B2) in what thickness for a recording element according to the invention ment (A, B, C, D) is mainly used according to the purpose of the relevant record according to the invention voltage element (A, B, C, D), d. H. after that, whether it's for making a Gravure, offset, high or flexographic printing plate or a photoresist ver should be applied. Especially for the respective purpose partial material compositions of the photosensitive on drawing layers (B1) or (B2) and the thicknesses used areas are common and known and familiar to the person skilled in the art.

The further essential component of the recording according to the invention elements (A, B, C, D) is the dimensionally stable support (A). Here can the photosensitive recording layer (B1) or (B2) with this dimensionally stable carrier (A) bonded firmly or easily removable  be. The dimensionally stable support (A) in turn can be used with a soft elastic underlayer. Furthermore, a firm Ver bond between the support (A) and the photosensitive recording layer (B1) or (B2) can be achieved with the help of an adhesive layer. Provided the dimensionally stable support (A) with the light-sensitive recording layer (B1) or (B2) is easily removable, it is also called temporary layer support (A).

As dimensionally stable support (A) plates, foils or conical or cylindrical tubes (sleeves) made of metals such as steel, aluminum, copper or nickel or from plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybuty lenterephthalate, polyamide or polycarbonate can be used. Besides come fabrics and nonwovens such as fiberglass or composite materials made of glass fibers and plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate. In addition, plates are also suitable as dimensionally stable supports (A), as usually used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards will.

Yet another essential part of the recording according to the invention tion element (A, B, C, D) is the optically transparent cover layer (C), which contains at least one tear-resistant film-forming polymer. Generally mine has a thickness of 0.01 to 10 µm. Although in individual cases the use of thicker cover layers is conceivable, but it can then ver more light scatter on the cover layer in question, wel che the motif in the mask image layer (B) to the point of being unrecognizable distorted. The use of outer layers (C) is also less Thickness than 0.01 µm is not recommended because then the deck in question layer no longer reliably as a diffusion barrier and as protection against mechanical damage. Accordingly, the range is from 0.01 to 10 µm around an optimal range within which the thickness of the Cover layer (C) varies widely and the other material and optical Parameters of the recording element according to the invention (A, B, C, D) in forth can be adapted in an outstanding manner. Within this optimal loading Reichs, the one from 0.2 to 5.0 µm should be emphasized because the top layer ten (C) of this strength in terms of material consumption and diffusion sion blocking effect are particularly advantageous.

The cover layer (C) contains at least one optically transparent, tear solid film forming polymer. Examples to be more suitable according to the invention Polymers of this type are polyamides, copolyamides, polyurethanes, Poly (meth) acrylates, cyclo rubbers with a high degree of cyclization, Ethylene-propylene copolymers, homo- and copolymers of vinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, partially or almost fully constantly hydrolyzed poly (vinylalkalkalkanecarboxylic acidstar), partial  or almost completely hydrolyzed vinyl alcohol alkane carboxylic acid ester Alkylene oxide graft copolymers, gelatin, cellulose ether, cellulose ester, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl aromatic-alkenedicarboxylic anhydride copoly merisate, vinyl ether-alkenedicarboxylic acid anhydride copolymers, poly (meth) acrylic acid, (meth) acrylic acid (meth) acrylate copolymers and poly alkylene oxides.

Of these, the highly crystalline are almost completely hydrolyzed Poly (vinyl alcohol alkane carboxylic acid ester) and vinyl alcohol alkane carboxylic acid ester-alkylene oxide graft copolymers and the polyamides and Copolyamides are advantageous according to the invention and are therefore preferred applied.

Examples of very particularly advantageous poly to be used according to the invention amides and copolyamides are linear homo- and copolyamides, which in known from bifunctional carboxylic acids and diamines or ω-amino acids, lactams or from suitable derivatives of these compounds be produced, such as nylon 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 6.6, 6.10 or 6.13; or a polyamide made from metaxylylenediamine and adipic acid or from Trimethylhexamethylene diamine or isophorone diamine and adipic acid; or Nylon 6 / 6.6, 6 / 6.6 / 6.10 or 6 / 6.6 / 6.10 / 6.12; or a polyamide ε-caprolactam / adipic acid / hexamethylenediamine / 4,4-diaminodicyclohexylm-ethane or from ε-caprolactam / adipic acid / hexamethylenediamine / polyethylene glycol diamine; or the N-methylol or N-alkoxymethyl derivatives of all of these Homo- and copolyamides.

Examples of particularly advantageous, almost completely hydrolyzed poly (vinyl alcohol alkane carboxylic acid esters) to be used according to the invention are polyvinyl acetates and polyvinyl propionates which have a degree of hydrolysis of 88 to 98, in particular 95 to 98 mol% and recurring 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,2 units in contain the polymer chain. These polymers are also commonly referred to as polyvinyl alcohols. Further advantages result if these polyvinyl alcohols have number average molecular weights M _n of 104 to 105, in particular 1.5 × 104 to 5 × 10 ⁴ .

Examples of particularly advantageous almost completely hydrolyzed vinyl alcohol alkane carboxylic acid ester-alkylene oxide graft copolymers those which by grafting vinyl acetate or propionate onto poly ethylene oxide and subsequent hydrolysis are obtained and from - each based on the graft copolymer - 10 to 30 wt .-%, of 1-oxapropyli den-1,3, 0 to 30% by weight of 1-acetylethylidene-1,2 and 90 to 40% by weight of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,2 units.  

In addition, the top layer (C) can be optically transparent matting contain agents that differ from the other components of the invent according to the photosensitive recording element (A, B, C, D) are at least largely, better still completely, inert and an optical Have refractive index, which of that of the other components of the Cover layer (C) is adapted. It is of particular advantage here if the refractive indices of all components of the top layer (C) are approximately or exactly match.

Examples of suitable matting agents are finely divided organic solids bodies such as polystyrene and finely divided inorganic solids such as glass balls, ground quartz and precipitated and pyrogenic silica.

The cover layer (C) can be tear-resistant in addition to those described above Film-forming polymers and the optically transparent matting agents contain other additives. Examples of suitable additives are antistatic agents, leveling agents (wetting agents), monomers, initiators the photopolymerization and inhibitors of the thermally initiated poly merization. Examples of highly suitable additives of this type are from the EP-A-03 16 618, US-A-41 62 919, DE-A-21 23 702, US-A-40 72 527, US-A-34 53 311 or known from DE-A-16 22 298. Become such an addition substances used in the top layer (C), their share should generally Do not exceed 20% by weight, based on (C).

In the recording element (A, B, C, D) according to the invention, the upper surface of the top layer (C) may also be slightly sticky.

The recording element (A, B, C, D) according to the invention is a sale finished product and can be used in a non-deformable, opaque packaging.

The recording element (A, B, C, D) according to the invention can by any methods are generated; advantageously, it is invented method according to the invention.

The method according to the invention is based on the production of the light sensitive recording layer (B1) or (B2). This happens in Usual and known manner by mixing the components of the light sensitive recording layer (B1) or (B2) by means of the usual Kneading, mixing and solution techniques and by shaping the resul Mixtures (B1) or (B2) to form a sheet-like photosensitive union recording layer (B1) or (B2) by casting from solution, Hot pressing, calendering or extruding using this method steps can also be combined in a suitable manner.  

Simultaneously with their manufacture or immediately afterwards, the light sensitive recording layer (B1) or (B2) with the dimensions stable carrier (A), optionally with the use of an adhesive layer and a soft elastic underlayer. Of course, NEN these operations in usual and known, continuous or dis continuously operating systems one after the other or simultaneously be performed. In all cases, the photosensitive recording layer (B1) or (B2) from partial layers (B1) or (B2) of the same, in about the same or different material composition be, as for example in EP-A-00 84 851 or DE-A-29 42 183 (US-A-43 20 188).

Thereafter, the cover layer (C) is applied in a customary and known manner Surface of the photosensitive recording layer (B) applied. This can e.g. B. happen by first covering the top layer (C) the surface of a plastic film, preferably a polyethylene terephthalate film, by pouring from solution and drying in the desired Creates strength. Then the resulting laminate is included the free side of the cover layer (C) on the surface of the photosensitive union recording layer (B) applied firmly, after which the art is pulled from the cover layer (C).

In the procedure according to the invention, an image mask (D) is then opened the surface of the cover layer (C) of the photosensitive recording elements (A, B, C) by using liquid droplets or solid, particles melted or dispersed or dissolved in liquids pictorially on the surface in question, after which one advantage the particles dispersed or dissolved in liquids dry and allow the molten particles to solidify.

Any desired can be used in the manufacturing process according to the invention nete liquid droplets or particles are used, but it is advantageous according to the invention, in this case toners as used in electrophotography graphie be applied, inks, such as those specified in inkjet printers be applied, and pigments and / or pigment / binder mixtures, such as they are used in thermal transfer printing. Examples suitable These are toner, inks, pigments and pigment / binder mixtures described above.

In and of itself, these liquid droplets or particles can be traced any methods imagewise on the surface of the top layer (C) of photosensitive recording element (A, B, C) can be applied. However, for the end product of the manufacturing process according to the invention, the recording element (A, B, C, D) according to the invention, in particular  Advantage to apply the toner by first being in itself known way on the surface of a known electrophoto graphic recording element (E) by charging with a high voltage discharge corona, imagewise exposure to actinic light and Concrete creates a toner image, which is then applied directly to the surface the cover layer (C) of the light-sensitive recording element (A, B, C) transmits.

For this advantageous variant of the manufacturing method according to the invention can a sheet-like electrophotographic recording element (E) be used. The resulting toner image can then either stamp-like on the surface of the cover layer (C) of a sheet-like photosensitive recording element (A, B, C) transferred or from the Surface of the top layer (C) one rolled over the toner image cylindrical or photosensitive mounted on a cylinder Recording element (A, B, C) are recorded.

In another particularly advantageous variant of the invention Manufacturing process becomes a cylindrical electrophotographic Recording element (E) used. The toner image created thereupon can either by rolling it onto the surface of the top layer (C) one sheet-like photosensitive recording element (A, B, C) or on the surface of the top layer (C) of a cylindrical or a photosensitive recording element (A, B, C) can be transferred by using the cylindrical electrophotographic Recording element (E) and the cylindrical or on a cylinder attached photosensitive recording element (A, B, C) in the manner of a calender turns against each other.

Here is the manufacturing method according to the invention, in which a cylin deriform electrophotographic recording element (E) and Use a cylindrical photosensitive recording element (A, B, C) be particularly emphasized because it is making seamless Continuous printing cylinder for endless gravure, offset, high and flexo printing allowed in a particularly elegant and simple manner.

For all of the above-mentioned variants of the manufacture according to the invention it is also advantageous for the imagewise exposure of the process electrostatically charged electrophotographic recording element elements (E) to use a computer-controlled laser light source.  

Suitable sheet-like and cylindrical electrophotographic images Drawing elements (E) and suitable laser light sources are from the photo copy sector or from the patents EP-A-0 1 31 215, EP-B-00 31 481, EP-A-01 50 419, EP-A-01 62 216, EP-A-01 56 308, EP-A-01 31 292, EP-A-01 52 889, EP-A-01 98 488, EP-A-02 89 056, EP-A-03 26 132, EP-A-03 26 169 or DE-A-34 14 791 known.

Another advantageous variant of the manufacturing method according to the invention rens is based on the fact that the inks are computer-controlled Inkjet printer on the surface of the top layer (C) of a light sensitive recording element (A, B, C) transfers. Examples suitable neter inks and suitable computer controlled inkjet printers from the article "INKJET, hot ink for fast printers", in Der Polygraph, Volume 14 (1989), pages 1151 and 1152, the article by Oliver Bruns, "Proofs from digital data: the inkjet printer Iris 3024 on the response system and Scitex ", in Deutscher Drucker, No. 36 / 9.11.89, Pages w10 and w11, or the Hewlett-Packard company name, "Professional Printer DeskJet PLUS, Owner's Manual", March 1989.

In yet another advantageous process variant, pigments are used or pigment / binder mixtures for the production of the coated Areas (D1) of the image mask (D) are used. Here it is special Advantage, the pigments and / or the pigment / binder mixtures of a film which contains a pigment or a pigment / binder Layer contains, on the surface of the top layer (C) of the photosensitive Lichen recording element (A, B, C) to transfer.

This is accomplished in a very particularly advantageous manner by that the film in question from its pigment or pigment / bandage side facing away from the middle layer by means of a computer-controlled Thermal head or by means of a computer-controlled laser light source warmed up.

For all the above-mentioned variants of the manufacture according to the invention it is of particular advantage if the surface of the Use top layer (C) of the manufacturing method according to the invention the recording element (A, B, C) is slightly sticky.

The manufacturing method according to the invention has very special surprising Advantages on.

On the one hand, the manufacturing method according to the invention enables the over transfer of digital image information to light-sensitive recording elements (A, B, C), on the other hand it enables simple and safe  Preparation of the photosensitive recording elements according to the invention te (A, B, C, D). In addition, the manufacturing process according to the invention downright extremely variable, because it does not only allow the manufacture position of sheet-like recording elements (A, B, C, D) in any format, but also the very particularly simple and rational production of cylindrical or be on a cylinder consolidated recording elements according to the invention (A, B, C, D), which are otherwise difficult to manufacture. Furthermore, this allows Manufacturing process according to the invention the central and therefore rational and economical production of flat and cylindrical inventions according recording elements (A, B, C, D) according to the wishes of Printing plants in a manufacturing company. The printers need this Image information to be reproduced only digitally to the central source to transmit to the control center, after which you can use it after the invention Manufacturing process according to the invention produced sheet-like or cylin the shaped recording elements according to the invention (A, B, C, D) for received further processing. However, it is also possible that the zen central manufacturing company the relevant sheet-like or fiction according to the recording elements (A, B, C, D) itself processed and the resulting gravure, offset, high and flexographic printing plates To print shops. Of course, this approach also comes for the production and processing of photoresists in Consider how they are used for the manufacture of printed circuit boards.

Regardless of whether the manufacturing method according to the invention in one central manufacturing company, at a print shop or at a manager plate manufacturer is exercised, there is another particular advantage Days, which lies in the fact that the subsequent print or conductor track image immediately after the production of the record according to the invention elements (A, B, C, D) can be seen in high contrast. Should this Contrary to expectations, the printed or printed circuit diagram must still be corrected or should at the request of the printer or the PCB manufacturer All of this can still be made at short notice done at any time in a simple manner: it is only necessary to take the picture mask (D) with a suitable solvent, which covers the top layer (C) does not attack, wash away and then corrected or changed derte image mask (D) again in the procedure according to the invention wear.

The recording elements (A, B, C, D) according to the invention, in particular but those obtained by the production process according to the invention can processed in any way. However, it is according to the invention of advantage here is the further processing method according to the invention to apply.  

The further processing method according to the invention is used for production ready-to-print gravure, offset, high and flexographic printing plates as well as the Her provision of photoresists. It is based on an invention drawing element (A, B, C, D), which for the respective printing Area or the photoresist area is suitable. This invention Recording element (A, B, C, D) is in the inventive method wise directly over the entire area with ultraviolet and / or visible actini exposed to light. Since the coated areas (D1) of the image mas ken (D) of the recording element (A, B, C, D) according to the invention essentially impermeable to the actinic light used occur in those areas of photosensitive recording layer (B1) or (B2) covered by the coated areas (D1) are, no photochemical changes. Against that Areas that are not shielded by the image mask (D) (un layered areas D2), by the incident actinic radiation photo chemically altered so that they have different solubility after exposure have properties than the unexposed areas, which also as Solubility differentiation is called.

Depending on whether the recording element according to the invention (A, B, C, D) a positive working (B1) or negative working (B2) photosensitive Liche recording layer, then either the unexposed th areas (B1) or the exposed areas (B2) of the imagewise exposed tested recording layer (B) with a suitable developer solution medium washed away, d. H. developed.

The developer solvent for imagewise exposed recording Layer (B1) or (B2) can be easily done by a person skilled in the art on the material properties of the relevant recording layer (B) be chosen. So it becomes for non-polar exposed recording layer (B) choose organic solvents, whereas it is polar or strong polar exposed recording layers (B) polar or aqueous solution will take medium.

It is particularly advantageous according to the invention if this relates to de Developer solvent also dissolves or cures the top layer (C) swells and removes. The image mask (D) is also washed off.

For the development step, the usual and known spray, Brush or rubbing washer can be used.

The further processing method according to the invention results in both flat as well as cylindrical ready-to-print deep, offset, High and flexographic printing plates as well as photoresists, which are used for the conductors  plate making can be used. These printing plates and photo Resists contain the nega in their developed recording layer (B) tiv or the positive of the original, digitally transmitted image information tion. The particular advantage of the further processing according to the invention Here too, the process manifests itself in particular in that printing plates and photoresists use the original, digital transfer NEN image information particularly true to detail as negative or positive play. As a result, the printing plates are particularly excellent Deliver printed matter in large quantities and photoresists only one have a very low reject rate.

One of the most important advantages of the recording according to the invention elements (A, B, C, D), the manufacturing method according to the invention and the Further processing method according to the invention lies above all in that here photosensitive recording elements (A, B, C) are used which have a sticky surface. In contrast, the most methods of the prior art photosensitive recording tion elements (A, B, C) with a sticky surface for the production of Printing plates or photoresists, if at all, only to a limited extent in Consider.

The manufacturing method according to the invention can be carried out with the help of any conventional ones and known devices. However, it is special Advantage, the device according to the invention for carrying out the Invention to use according to the manufacturing process. The device according to the invention can further be designed so that it is also for implementation of the further processing method according to the invention is suitable.

The first essential component of the device according to the invention is a cylindrical electrophotographic recording element (E), which an electrically conductive dimensionally stable support (E1) and an orga nical or inorganic photoconductive recording layer (E2) comprises. Examples of suitable cylindrical electrophotographic recordings voltage elements (E) are z. B. known from the photocopying sector.

The other essential components of the device according to the invention are

• - At least one device (F) for generating a high voltage Discharge corona for electrostatically charging the cylindrical electrophotographic recording element (E),
• - At least one device (G) for imagewise exposure of the electrostatically charged photoconductive recording layer (E2) with actinic light,  
• - At least one device (H) for concreting on the electrostatically charged photoconductive recording layer (E2) charge image generated by imagewise exposure,
• - At least one device (I) for transferring the toner image a different surface and
• - At least one device (J) for controlled rotation of the cylindrical electrophotographic recording element (E).

These components (E) to (J) and their interaction are from the photo copy sector known.

In addition, however, the device according to the invention also comprises at least one the flat, cylindrical or fixed on cylinders, sensitive to ultraviolet and / or visible actinic light union recording elements (A, B, C) as described above have been.

It is essential for the device according to the invention and its function Lich that the sheet-like, cylindrical or attached to cylinders te photosensitive recording element (A, B, C) in direct contact with the cylindrical electrophotographic recording element (E) stands and moves against it with a coordinated relative speed can be.

The manufacturing method according to the invention is the same as that of the invention Device carried out as follows: First, on the rotating cylin shaped electrophotographic recording element (E) in the usual and known to form a toner image. This toner image is on the Location where the concreted cylindrical electrophotographic opening Drawing element (E) with the photosensitive recording element ment (A, B, C) comes into contact, transferred to it. When moving on of the cylindrical electrophotographic recording element (E) its surface is freed of any residual toner, so that it is available for a new imaging cycle.

Both for the device according to the invention and the Her according to the invention setting procedure, it is particularly advantageous if the device is still at least least one device (K) for removing the given after the transfer any excess toner still present from the surface of the cylindrical electrophotographic recording element (E) and / or at least one device (L) for the controlled Movement of sheet-like, cylindrical or on cylinders attached photosensitive recording element (A, B, C) contains.  

It is particularly advantageous if one is in the device according to the invention a cylindrical light for the manufacturing method according to the invention sensitive recording element (A, B, C) used against the cylindrical electrophotographic recording element (E) of the type of a calender is turned. Through this very particularly advantageous The construction of the device according to the invention is particularly precise and quick Transfer of the toner image from the cylindrical electrophotograph rule recording element (E) on the cylindrical photosensitive Recording element (A, B, C) causes.

In a further particularly advantageous variant of the invention The sheet-like photosensitive recording element becomes a device ment (A, B, C) in the form of an endless band on the cylindrical passed electrophotographic recording element (E) which continuously its toner image on the ribbon-shaped photosensitive drawing element (A, B, C) transfers.

For carrying out the further processing method according to the invention can the device according to the invention in addition to those described above Constituents (E) to (L) still

• - At least one device (M) for full-area exposure of the With the help of the device according to the invention produced according to the invention Recording element (A, B, C, D) with actinic light,
• - At least one device (N) for washing out the exposed or unexposed areas, the top layer (C) and the image mask (D) of the recording element (A, B, C, D),
• - At least one device (O) for drying the washed out recording element (A, B, C, D) and / or
• - At least one device (P) which the supply of light sensitive recording element (A, B, C) for cylindrical electrophotographic recording element (E) and for removal of the recording element (A, B, C, D) thereof serves

contain.

In all cases, it proves to be particularly advantageous if this is invented device according to the invention as a device (G) a computer-controlled laser light source contains.  

It is also of particular advantage for the device according to the invention, when the surface of the top layer (C) of the light used herein sensitive recording element (A, B, C) is sticky. Because of this benefit that should not be underestimated is no longer necessary Surface of photosensitive recording elements (A, B, C) according to their To remove the adhesive. Because of its special advantages, it is Device according to the invention especially for the production of seamless deep, Offset, high and flexographic cylinders suitable for continuous printing. In addition, continuously sheet-like according to the invention Recording elements (A, B, C, D) and their further processing products are produced, which then according to the respective application can be cut. For example, with the help of the According to the device, endless photoresist traces are generated before their Finishing checked visually and then to the desired size can be tailored. This can already be advantageous anyway low rejection rate of the manufacturing method according to the invention and ver further processing method according to the invention be wrested. Overall, the device according to the invention enables fast, secure and exact transmission of digital image information a variety of different recording elements (A, B, C). The The device according to the invention is therefore extremely variable.

Examples and comparative tests Examples 1 to 10 and comparative experiments V1 to V10

The production of recording elements (A, B, C, D) and their further processing according to the invention into printing plates (Examples 1 to 10) in comparison with the further processing not according to the invention Known recording elements (A, B, C) to printing plates (comparison try V1 to V10).

General test instructions

For examples 1 to 10 and the comparative experiments V1 to V10 were the photosensitive recording compiled in the table elements (A, B, C) -1 to -10 used. The table provides information about the Structure of these known light-sensitive recording elements (A, B C), the thickness, and the material composition of their light sensitive recording layers (B) and their imaging type (negative working: B1; positive working: B2) as well as about the area of application for the print made from these recording elements (A, B, C) plates are usually considered. In doing so

• - In Examples 1 to 3 and 10 and the comparative experiments V1 to V3 and V10 top layers (C) made of Mowiol® 04-M1 polyvinyl alcohol from Hoechst and
• - Examples 4 to 9 and comparative experiments V4 to V9 Cover layers (C) made of the polyamide Makromelt® 9000 from Henkel used. The cover layers (C) were approx. 2 µm thick.

The photosensitive recording elements (A, B, C) -1 to (A, B, C) -10 were clamped onto printing cylinders of suitable dimensions and in this Mold with an image mask (D) made of coated (D1) and uncoated (D2) areas. The elements (A, B, C) -6 to (A, B, C) -8 before mounting on the impression cylinder during 2 minutes from their back, d. H. through the carrier (A), in the usual and in a known manner, fully exposed with actinic light.

For the implementation of Examples 1 to 4 and 9 and 10 was on a Graphics computer using a graphics program for gravure printing area typical raster image developed as a test image template and for the purpose Transfer to the photosensitive recording elements (A, B, C) -1 to (A, B, C) -4 and (A, B, C) -9 and (A, B, C) -10.

The motif of the well-known FOGRA precision measurement became analogous strip for newspaper printing PMS-Z for the implementation of Example 5 on the graphics computer for transfer to the photosensitive Recording element (A, B, C) -5 stored.

For the implementation of Examples 6 to 8, the graph was used programs developed a typical image for the flexographic printing area and on the graphics computer for transfer to the photosensitive Recording elements (A, B, C) -6 to (A, B, C) -8 stored.

The transmission of the digital image information, i.e. the generation of the Image mask (D) on the light-sensitive recording layers (B1) or (B2) of the photosensitive recording elements (A, B, C) -1, -4 and -6 using inkjet printing (Examples 1, 4 and -6), using an IBM inkjet printer controlled by a graphics computer performed using an ink based on a mixture of on the mixture, 20 wt .-% carbon black pigment and 80 wt .-% polyvinyl alcohol contained.

After application, the ink images or image masks (D) were applied to the photosensitive recording elements (A, B, C, D) according to the invention dried.

For the transmission of the digital image information, i.e. the generation of the image mask (D) on the light-sensitive recording elements (A, B, C) -2, -5, -8 and -9, with the aid of electrophotography (in games 2, 5, 8 and 9), a customary and known photocopying drum (cylindrical electrophotographic recording element E) was electrostatically charged in a customary and known manner and exposed imagewise while rotating the drum with the aid of a computer-controlled helium-neon laser (wavelength of the main emission: 633 nm). Here, the writing speed at a pixel repetition rate of 3.8 MHz was 193 m × s ^-1 , which corresponded to 42 cm ² × s ^-1 of exposed area when propelled in 27 µm steps. After the imagewise exposure, the resulting charge images were accentuated in a customary and known manner with a solid, finely divided toner (carbon black pigment, dispersed in a thermoplastic). The resultant toner image was then transferred to the photosensitive recording elements (A, B) -2, -5, -8 and -9 by rotating one element and the toned photocopy drum at calibrated speed in the manner of a calender. After the transfer of the toner image, the photocopy drum was freed of any toner particles that may still be present and was then available again for the retransmission of the digital information.

For the transmission of the digital image information, i.e. the generation the image mask (D) on the photosensitive recording elements ten (A, B, C) -3 and -7 using thermal transfer printing (Examples 3 and 7) was a 4 µm thick and on the back with a 200 nm thick Tin layer vapor-coated polyester film is used, which with a 1 micron strong layer of soot pigment, pyrogenic silica and polyvinyl alcohol (Pigment / binder mixture) was covered. The transfer film was in a computer controlled thermal transfer printer between a thermal head row and the elements (A, B, C) -3 and -7 clamped. By successive electronic control of the thermal line and further transport of transfer foil and element (A, B, C) the digital information became line by line transfer.

The inventive obtained in the procedure according to the invention Recording elements (A, B, C, D) of Examples 1 to 10 contained all a picture mask (D), which is awarded with the respective Contrast layer (C). It would therefore be possible in a simple manner been able to recognize and correct existing transmission errors, however, there were no such errors, so the recording elements (A, B, C, D) can be immediately processed into printing plates could.

For this purpose, the recording elements (A, B, C, D) of Examples 1 to 10 with customary and known UV fluorescence tubes fully exposed. The exposure time was at Examples 1 to 4 and 9 and 10 in the range for the imagewise Exposure of photosensitive recording elements (A, B, C), the serve the production of gravure plates, is common (0.5 to 1 min). In Example 5, the exposure time was in the range for the  imagewise exposure of photosensitive recording elements ten (A, B, C), which are used to manufacture high-pressure plates, is common (0.5 to 2 min). In Examples 6 to 8, the exposure time was in the Area which is used for the imagewise exposure of photosensitive Recording elements (A, B, C) used in the production of flexographic printing serve plates, is common (10 to 20 min).

After exposure, the recording elements of the present invention te (A, B, C, D) of Examples 1 to 10 with suitable developer solution developed by means. Here came

• - In Examples 1 to 3 [elements used (A, B, C, D) -1, -2 and -3] water
• - Examples 4, 5 and 9 (elements used (A, B, C, D) -4, -5 and 9) a mixture of n-butanol and water in a volume ratio of 80 to 20
• - Examples 6 to 8 [elements used (A, B, C, D) -6, -7 and -8] a mixture of Shellsol D 60, white spirit from Esso, and Exxate 700, a technical ester mixture from Exxon, in Volume ratio of 80 to 20 and
• - In Example 10 [element used (A, B, C, D) -10] 1% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution

as a developer solvent for use.

For the development of the fully exposed according to the invention Drawing elements (A, B, C, D) with the developer mentioned above solvents

• - In Examples 1 to 4 and 9 to 10 usual and known, for the Production of rotogravure plates suitable nyloprint® washing devices
• - In Example 5, the usual and known for the production of High pressure plates suitable nyloprint® washing device and
• - In Examples 6 to 8, the usual and known, for the Her provision of nyloflex® FIII washout suitable for flexographic printing plates equipment

used.

For the comparative tests V1 to V4 as well as V9 and V10 was used as a template selected a raster image film typical of the gravure printing area, its motif exactly matched the computer graphics which were used for the implementation Examples 1 to 4 and 9 and 10 have been developed and saved was.  

The well-known FOGRA precision measurement was used for the comparative test V5 strips used for newspaper printing PMS-Z as a template.

For the comparative tests V6 to V8, one was used as a template for the flexo Negative film typical of the printing area, the motif of which exactly matches the Computer graphics matched which were used for the implementation of the Examples 6 to 8 had been developed and saved.

Before further use, the conventional elements (A, B, C) -6 to -8 (comparative tests V6 to V8) for 2 minutes from their return page ago, d. H. through the carrier (A) in the usual and known Exposed in full area with actinic light.

The ten conventional recording elements (A, B, C) were -1 to -10 for carrying out comparative tests V1 to V10 on printing cylinders suitable diameter spanned and then with the help of the corresponding exposed the above films imagewise by viewing the films or image masks (D) with a deflected transparent film, which approximately spanned a tenth of the respective cylinder circumference, firmly on that fende element pressed and transported, the press was exposed to actinic light.

After exposure, the conventional recording elements te (A, B, C) -1 to -10 with

• - water (comparative tests V1 to V3)
• - a mixture of n-Butanol and water in a volume ratio of 80 to 20 (Comparative tests V4, V5 and V9)
• - a mixture of Shellsol D60, white spirit from Esso, and Exxate 700, a technical ester mixture from Exxon, and 2-ethylhexanol in a volume ratio of 60 to 20 to 20 (Comparative experiments V6 to V8) and
• - 1% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (comparative experiment V10)

developed in the washing devices mentioned above.

Following the development, the in the invention and in Rotogravure, flexographic and flexographic printing produced in a customary and known manner plates dried and in the case of flexographic printing plates (Examples 6 to 8 and comparative experiments V6 to V8) with the actinic light of one Sterilization lamp fully exposed.  

Already the comparison of the manufacturing and further processing according to the invention tion process of Examples 1 to 10 with the usual and known Ver Comparative tests V1 to V10 make it clear that the inventions process according to the invention more variable, more elegant, more rational and faster and it is also more precise than conventional work: it is not that way longer necessary only non-sticky outer layers (C) to apply the surface of photosensitive recording layers (B) gene - quite the contrary brings in the inventive method Surface stickiness has clear advantages. In addition, the Image templates developed directly on the graphics computer and via data line in transferred to the reprographic company or the cliché company and there - without interposing a film - directly into printable products be implemented. The methods according to the invention can both with flat as well as with cylindrical or on cylinders attached recording elements (A, B, C) are carried out what a The main advantage is the already excellent variability of the manufacturing and processing methods according to the invention further increases.

In particular, particular advantages of the invention are manifested in the recording elements according to the invention (A, B, C, D). These do not point only an almost or completely error-free image mask (D) on which of the computer graphics corresponds exactly, but they also offer because the optical contrast between the image mask (D) and the covering layer ten (C) the ability to correct transmission in time errors if they should occur.

Above all, however, the particular advantages of the invention occur from the recording elements (A, B, C, D) produced according to the invention, High and flexographic printing plates, which is also reflected in the Ver can be immediately underpinned with gravure, high and flexographic printing plates, which one has produced in a customary and known manner.

Which examples with which comparative tests in detail can be compared directly, goes from the last column of the table forth.

The following is particularly clear in this comparison:

• 1. While in the inventive procedure from the Invention according recording elements (A, B, C, D) -1 to -4 and -9 and -10 gravure plates produced the motif of computer graphics completely reproduce exactly, have an excellent, smooth surface and not when printing on a conventional and well-known gravure printing machine  toning, very good ink transfer properties show an increase the scratches are of the order of about 20 per hour and a circulation stability (determined according to the AT2 test with the help of the Standard abrasion device from Schröder, D-6940 Weinheim) in the area of 2 million, let them in the usual and known manner gravure plates from the comparative tests V1 to V4 and V9 and V10 still a lot to be desired: The gravure plates of Ver Attempts to compare do not give the motive of the picture template so well again like the rotogravure plates of the relevant examples (cf. the Table), they have a comparatively rough surface and when Printing on the rotogravure machine tends to toning, it just shows Medium quality paint transfer properties show an increase in Scratches on the order of 130 to 150 per hour a requirement determined in the same way as in the examples stability of 150,000, which is well below the 2 million of the Examples lies.
• 2. A similar quality difference can also be demonstrated on the basis of the comparison between the high-pressure plate produced from the recording element (A, B, C, D) -5 according to the inventive method and the high-pressure plate of comparative test V5:
  While the high-pressure plate of Example 5 (see the table) provides excellent newspaper prints in a particularly large edition, the reproduction quality of the comparison plate leaves much to be desired, which is why the newspaper prints are of only satisfactory quality.
• 3. Also make the flexographic printing plates of comparative tests V6 to V8 no exception and fall in their playback quality and conditions Stability compared to that in the inventive procedure from the recording elements (A, B, C, D) -6 to -8 according to the invention provided flexographic printing plates of Examples 6 to 8 (see the table) very clearly.

Claims (30)

1. Recording element sensitive to ultraviolet and / or visible actinic light, containing

• A) a dimensionally stable support,
• B) a negative working or positive working light sensitive recording layer (B1) or (B2),
• C) an optically transparent cover layer which contains at least one tear-resistant film-forming polymer, and
• D) an image mask lying directly on the surface of the light-sensitive cover layer (C),

characterized in that the image mask (D) represents a relief-like pattern of coated areas (D1) and uncoated areas (D2), the coated areas (D1) being essentially opaque to the actinic light to be used in each case. 2. The photosensitive recording element (A, B, C, D) according to An claim 1, characterized in that the coated areas (D1) the relief-like pattern or the image mask (D) made of liquid there are droplets or solid particles which are on the surface the top layer (C) have been transferred. 3. The photosensitive recording element (A, B, C, D) according to An saying 1 or 2, characterized in that it is in the liquid droplets and the solid particles around transferred liquid toners droplets or solid toner particles, as used in electrophotography used to spray sprayed or dried ink or solidified solid ink particles, such as those caused by inkjet printers are produced, or vapor-deposited or melted, liquid or re-solidified pigment or pigment / binder Droplets and particles act as they do with the help of Thermotrans fer printing methods are generated. 4. The photosensitive recording element (A, B, C, D) according to one of the Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it works negatively end, photocrosslinkable photosensitive recording layer (B1), a negative working, photopolymerizable photosensitive on  drawing layer (B1) or a photo-degradable, positive working contains photosensitive recording layer (B2). 5. The photosensitive recording element (A, B, C, D) according to one of the Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that as tear-resistant films forming polymers polyamides, copolyamides, polyurethanes, poly (meth) acrylates, cyclo rubbers with a high degree of cyclization, ethylene propylene Copolymers, homo- and copolymers of vinyl chloride, ethylene Vinyl acetate copolymers, partially or almost completely hydrolyzed based poly (vinyl alcohol alkane carboxylic acid ester), partially or almost fully hydrolyzed vinyl alcohol alkanoic acid ester alkylene oxide graft copolymers, gelatin, cellulose ether, cellulose ester, polyvinylpyrrylidone, vinyl aromatic alkenedicarboxylic acid anhydride Copolymers, vinyl alkenedicarboxylic acid anhydride copolymers, Poly (meth) acrylic acid, (meth) acrylic acid (meth) acrylate copolymers and / or polyalkylene oxides used. 6. Ready-to-sell product comprising at least one photosensitive Recording element (A, B, C, D) according to one of claims 1 to 4 in an opaque, non-deformable packaging. 7. Use of toners as used in electrophotography of inks, such as those used in inkjet printers, and of vaporizable and / or meltable pigments and / or pig ment / binder mixtures, such as those used in thermal transfer printing find for the production of photosensitive recording elements. 8. A method for producing a light-sensitive recording element, the

• A) a dimensionally stable support,
• B) a negative working or positive working recording layer (B1) or (B2) which is sensitive to ultraviolet and / or visible actinic light,
• C) an optically transparent cover layer which contains at least one tear-resistant film-forming polymer, and
• D) an image mask lying directly on the surface of the cover layer (C)

contains, by applying the image mask (D) on the surface of the Cover layer (C), characterized in that the image mask has a relief like pattern of coated areas (D1) and uncoated  Areas (D2), the coated areas (D1) against essentially above the actinic light to be used are impermeable. 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the Image mask (D) directly by applying liquid droplets or from solid, melted or disper in liquids giert or dissolved particles, whereby one in the liquids dry dispersed or dissolved particles after their application and the molten particles solidify after their application. 10. Process for the production of printing plates and photoresists from photosensitive recording elements, which

• A) a dimensionally stable support and
• B) a negative working or a positive working light sensitive recording layer (B1) or (B2) which is sensitive to ultraviolet and / or visible actinic light, and
• C) an optically transparent cover layer which contains at least one tear-resistant film-forming polymer,

have through

• 1) applying an image mask (D) on the surface of the cover layer (C),
• 2) imagewise exposure of the resulting photosensitive recording element (A, B, C, D) with actinic light and
• 3) washing out (developing) the exposed recording element with a developer solvent, the cover layer (C) being washed away together with the unexposed areas of the recording layer (B1) or the exposed areas of the recording layer (B2),

characterized in that the image mask (D) has a relief-like pattern from coated areas (D1) and uncoated areas (D2) represents whose coated areas (D1) compared to each actinic light used are essentially opaque.   11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that one the image mask (D) directly by applying liquid droplets and from solid or melted or in liquids dis Powdered or dissolved particles are generated, the one in liquid loosened or dispersed particles after their application dry and solidify the melted particles after applying them leaves. 12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it is in the liquid droplets and the solid or melted or dissolved or dispersed in liquids particles

• i) toner as used in electrophotography,
• (ii) are inks as used in ink jet printers, or
• iii) are pigments and / or pigment / binder mixtures, as are used in thermal transfer printing.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that one here in a manner known per se on the surface of an electrophoto graphic recording element (E) by charging with a high voltage discharge corona, imagewise exposure to actinic light and concrete a toner image from liquid toner droplets or toner particles are generated, after which this toner image is applied directly to the surface surface of the top layer (C) of the light-sensitive recording elements (A, B, C). 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that here in a sheet electrophotographic recording element ment (E) used, and that the toner image formed thereon either stamp-like on the surface of the top layer (C) of the surface gene photosensitive recording element (A, B, C) transferred or from the surface of the cover layer (C) over the toner image rolled away cylindrical or attached to a cylinder photosensitive recording element (A, B, C) is recorded. 15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that here in a cylindrical electrophotographic recording element ment (E) used, and that ent ent the resulting toner image neither by rolling it onto the surface of the top layer (C) sheet-like photosensitive recording element (A, B, C)  or on the surface of the top layer (C) of a cylindrical one or photosensitive recording mounted on a cylinder elements (A, B, C) by using the cylindrical electro photographic recording element (E) and the cylindrical or photosensitive recording mounted on a cylinder element (A, B, C) rotates against each other like a calender. 16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized records that the electrophotographic recording element (E) by means of a computer-controlled laser light source image moderately exposed. 17. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that here

• ii) the liquid droplets as well as the melted particles and the particles dispersed or dissolved in liquids or the inks by means of computer-controlled ink jet printers and
• iii) the pigment and / or pigment / binder droplets or particles from a film which contains a pigment or a pigment / binder layer and which from its side facing away from the pigment or pigment / binder layer by means of a computer-controlled thermal head or by means of a computer-controlled laser light source,

on the surface of the cover layer (C) of the light-sensitive coating drawing element (A, B, C) transfers. 18. An apparatus for performing the method according to any one of claims 8 to 13 and 15 and 16, which

• E) a cylindrical electrophotographic recording element
  • E1) an electrically conductive dimensionally stable support and
  • E2) an organic or inorganic photoconductive recording layer,
• F) at least one device for generating a high-voltage discharge corona for electrostatically charging the cylindrical electrophotographic recording element (E),
• G) at least one device for imagewise exposure of the electrostatically charged photoconductive recording layer (E2) with actinic light,
• H) at least one device for concreting the charge image generated on the electrostatically charged photoconductive recording layer (E2) by imagewise exposure,
• I) at least one device for transferring the toner image to another surface and
• J) at least one device for the controlled rotation of the cylindrical electrophotographic recording element (E)

comprises, characterized in that the device also at least one sheet-like, cylindrical or on a cylinder be fastened to ultraviolet and / or visible actinic light sensitive recording element (A, B, C) with

• A) a dimensionally stable support
• B) a negative working or positive working light sensitive recording layer (B1) or (B2) and
• C) an optically transparent cover layer which contains at least one tear-resistant film-forming polymer,

which is in direct contact with the cylindrical stands electrophotographic recording element (E) and against it can be moved at a coordinated relative speed. 19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that it is still

• K) at least one device for removing any excess toner that may still be present after the transfer from the surface of the cylindrical electrophotographic recording element (E),
• L) at least one device for the controlled movement of the cylindrical or sheet-like photosensitive recording element (A, B, C),
• M) at least one device for exposing the light-sensitive recording element (A, B, C, D), which is emphasized in terms of image, to actinic light over the entire surface,
• N) at least one device for washing out the exposed or unexposed areas of the image-intensely exposed and fully exposed recording layer (B1) or (B2) of the recording element (A, B, C, D),
• O) at least one device for drying the washed-out recording element (A, B, C, D) and / or
• P) at least one device which serves to feed the light-sensitive recording element (A, B, C) to the electrophotographic recording element (E) and to remove the light-sensitive recording element (A, B, C, D) from the electrophotographic recording element (E),

contains. 20. The device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the cylindrical photosensitive or mounted on a cylinder Recording element (A, B, C) and the cylindrical electrophoto graphical recording element (E) in the manner of a calender against be rotated to each other. 21. The device according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the device (G) is a computer-controlled laser light source. 22. Use of the device according to one of claims 18 to 21 for the Her provision of seamless gravure, offset, high and flexographic printing cylinders for the continuous printing.